Review of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) by Tony P — 18 Nov 2016

Excruciating espionage film based on the 1974 book of the same name by John Le Carrè.

It basically follows the hunt for a mole in the British secret service or Mi6.

Semi-retired agent George Smiley (excellently portrayed by Gary Oldman, who is made to look about 20 years older) is brought in to hunt down the traitor.

The story is set in the bleak London of the seventies and the cinematography excellently portrays this bleak feel.

The film is more Spycatcher by Peter Wright (controversial 1980s book) rather than a James Bond action vehicle.

The film takes deep concentration in its two hour running time. There are so many suspects that showcase an excellent cast of the cream of British cinema. Colin Firth, Benedict Cumberbatch, Toby Jones, Mark Strong, John Hurt and last but by no means least Tom Hardy.

Apparently this film was originally filmed as a six hour or so drama by the BBC in 1979. I can imagine the six hour running time being sufficient. The two hour running time tries to do to much within its time constraints.

I originally purchased this film way back upon Blu-Ray release in 2012. I gave up then after half an hour so was determined to see the film out.

However give me Sir Roger Moore in an alpine ski chase falling into the abyss from an Austrian mountain anyday rather than this overrated chirade.